Biden to host Slovenian prime minister at White House next week

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden will host Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob at the White House on Tuesday for their first bilateral meeting, the White House announced Friday.

The leaders are expected to discuss a range of key issues, including energy security, cooperation on the Western Balkans, and support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian war, Spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

The meeting follows Slovenia’s contribution in the largest prisoner swap between the US and Russia since the Cold War, in which 26 individuals from the US, Russia, Slovenia and several other European countries were exchanged in Ankara, Türkiye, in August.

"President Biden will underscore our appreciation for Prime Minister Golob’s leadership to bring home Americans unjustly detained by Russia and our continued cooperation on a host of other global issues," Jean-Pierre said.

The leaders will also address ongoing challenges in the Middle East and broader global cooperation, according to the White House.